[Objectives] Establishing nature reserves is not only an effective measure for biodiversity conservation but also plays a crucial role in maintaining and protecting ecosystems, natural resources and landscapes. Over the past two decades, significant changes have occurred in China’s network of nature reserves and land use. Reeves’s Pheasant Syrmaticus reevesii is an endangered species that is endemic to China. Assessing changes in protected areas and land use types within the important distribution area of the Reeves’s Pheasant in the Dabie Mountains is vital for the survival of this species. [Methods] This study combines field surveys with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), species distribution models, and gap analysis methods to evaluate the effectiveness of national nature reserves in protecting the habitat of Reeves’s Pheasant in the Dabie Mountains over the past two decades. [Results] The lengths of roads and areas of building area within and around the national nature reserves in the Dabie Mountains showed an increasing trend from 2001—2002 to 2018—2019 (Figs. 2, 3). In 2001—2002, the primary influencing factors on suitable habitats for Reeves’s Pheasant were distances to farmland, railways, and national roads, whereas in 2018—2019, elevation and distances to wind turbines became more prominent factors. Moreover, during 2018—2019, there was a declining trend in the proportion of suitable habitat for Reeves’s Pheasant within the national nature reserves in the Dabie Mountains (Fig. 5, Table 4). [Conclusion] The findings indicate that the national nature reserves in the Dabie Mountains are being affected by the expansion of the human footprint, highlighting the challenge of balancing conservation with economic and social development in reserve management. Future planning and management of nature reserves should prioritize a deep understanding of the ecological needs of endangered species, rational zoning of reserve functions, and enhancement of conservation effectiveness to ensure sustainable coexistence between nature and human activities.